noun
Uncommon
quad
kwod
Quad (noun) means Short for a quadrangle — an open, often grassy square surrounded by buildings, especially on a college campus. Example: “Students gathered on the quad between classes.”
noun
1
Short for a quadrangle — an open, often grassy square surrounded by buildings, especially on a college campus.
"Students gathered on the quad between classes."
"We ate our sandwiches on the quad while the sun was out."
"The old library stands on one side of the quad."
2
Short for a four-wheeled off-road motorbike (quad bike).
"They rode quads through the muddy trail all afternoon."
"The farmer uses a quad to check on the sheep in the top field."
"Visitors can book a guided ride on a quad across the moor."
adjective
1
Four times the usual size, strength, or quantity.
"He ordered a quad espresso to stay awake through the all-nighter."
"The cafe sells a quad shot latte that is far too strong for me."
"She was given quad portions because the kitchen had cooked too much food."
How to use quad
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInformal short form covering several "four"-related things — a campus square, a four-wheeled bike, or a quadruple measure.
Common pairings
ride a quad
the college quad
a quad shot
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- quads
- Past tense
- quadded
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Students gathered on the _____ between classes.
Etymology
A shortening of words built on Latin quattuor, "four," the same root behind "quadrant" and "quadruple."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for quad
See all rhymes for quad →Frequently asked questions
What does “quad” mean?
The word “quad” means short for a quadrangle — an open, often grassy square surrounded by buildings, especially on a college campus. In plain terms, informal short form covering several "four"-related things — a campus square, a four-wheeled bike, or a quadruple measure.
How do you pronounce “quad”?
“Quad” is pronounced kwod (/kwɑd/ in IPA).
How do you use “quad” in a sentence?
Here is “quad” used in a sentence: “Students gathered on the quad between classes.”
What part of speech is “quad”?
Depending on how it is used, “quad” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “quad” come from?
The word “quad” comes from Latin. A shortening of words built on Latin quattuor, "four," the same root behind "quadrant" and "quadruple.".
Is “quad” a common word?
“Quad” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “quad” have?
“Quad” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: short for a quadrangle — an open, often grassy square surrounded by buildings, especially on a college campus.
What is the difference between a quad and a quadrangle?
"Quad" is simply a shortened form of "quadrangle," referring to an open, often grassy square surrounded by buildings, especially on a college campus. The two terms mean the same thing, with "quad" being the more casual, everyday version.
What is the difference between a quad and an ATV?
"Quad" is short for "quad bike," a four-wheeled off-road motorbike, and is largely interchangeable with the term ATV (all-terrain vehicle) in everyday speech. Both describe the same type of four-wheeled off-road vehicle.
How is "quad" used as an adjective?
As an adjective, "quad" means four times the usual size, strength, or quantity, as in a "quad shot" of espresso. It signals a fourfold amount rather than describing a place or vehicle.
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